A former football player at Olivet Nazarene University and his wife have sued the university, the NAIA and several athletic equipment makers, including Russell Brands LLC, claiming that because of the defendant’s actions, or inaction in some cases, he suffered “multiple head injuries, including concussions and sub-concussions.”
The plaintiffs in the case were Nathaniel Seth Irvin and his wife, Lisa Marie Thomas. Irvin played football for ONU from 1986 to 1989.
They claimed in a lawsuit, filed in Cook County Circuit Court, that “on multiple occasions, after hits to the head, Mr. Irvin exhibited symptoms of concussions including, vomiting, lack of physical control, dizziness, confusion, blackouts, amnesia, and chronic headaches.”
They further alleged that the coaching staff improperly assessed Irvin’s condition and allowed him to return to action. They also alleged that Irvin’s helmet was improperly fitted and that he was not provided with adequate instructions from the university or the manufacturer.
In addition, they alleged that he was taught “improper and unsafe tackling techniques,” as evidenced by the fact that he “regularly initiated contact during a tackle with his helmet and/or face mask.”
Irvin claimed that he became aware of the dangers of concussions when, on March 2014, he was diagnosed with multiple traumatic brain injuries, including posttraumatic epilepsy, major depressive disorder with anxiety and early Alzheimer’s disease.
The nine-count suit alleges negligence, reckless conduct and loss of consortium. It seeks an undisclosed amount in damages.
